Chapter 2: Problem 100
For the following exercises, find vector \(\mathbf{u}\) with a magnitude that is given and satisfies the given conditions. \(\mathbf{v}=\langle 2,4,1\rangle, \quad\|\mathbf{u}\|=15, \quad \mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\) have the same direction
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \mathbf{u} = \left\langle \pm \frac{10\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}}, \pm \frac{20\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}}, \pm \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}} \right\rangle \)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Direction Condition
Since vector \( \mathbf{u} \) must have the same direction as \( \mathbf{v} \), we know \( \mathbf{u} \) is a scalar multiple of \( \mathbf{v} \). This means \( \mathbf{u} = k \mathbf{v} \) where \( k \) is a real number.
02
Derive the Expression for \( \mathbf{u} \)
If \( \mathbf{u} = k \langle 2, 4, 1 \rangle \), then \( \mathbf{u} \) can be written as \( \langle 2k, 4k, k \rangle \). We will use this expression for the next steps.
03
Use the Magnitude Condition
We know that \( \|\mathbf{u}\| = 15 \), so calculate the magnitude of \( \mathbf{u} \):\[ \|\mathbf{u}\| = \sqrt{(2k)^2 + (4k)^2 + k^2} \]\[ 15 = \sqrt{4k^2 + 16k^2 + k^2} \]\[ 15 = \sqrt{21k^2} \]
04
Solve for \( k \)
Square both sides to solve for \( k \):\[ 225 = 21k^2 \]\[ k^2 = \frac{225}{21} \]\[ k^2 = \frac{75}{7} \]\[ k = \pm \sqrt{\frac{75}{7}} \]
05
Determine the Exact Values of \( k \)
Calculate \( k \):\[ k = \pm \frac{\sqrt{75}}{\sqrt{7}} \]\[ k = \pm \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}} \]
06
Construct \( \mathbf{u} \)
Using \( k = \pm \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}} \), substitute back into \( \mathbf{u} = k \langle 2, 4, 1 \rangle \) to find:\[ \mathbf{u} = \left\langle \pm \frac{10\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}}, \pm \frac{20\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}}, \pm \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}} \right\rangle \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Scalar Multiplication
Scalar multiplication involves scaling a vector by multiplying it with a scalar value. In simple terms, each component of the vector is multiplied by the same number. When you apply scalar multiplication to a vector, you essentially stretch or shrink the vector without changing its direction.
In the context of our exercise,
In the context of our exercise,
- we are given that vector \( \mathbf{u} \) is in the same direction as vector \( \mathbf{v} \), meaning \( \mathbf{u} \) is a scaled version of \( \mathbf{v} \).
- This means \( \mathbf{u} = k \mathbf{v} = k \langle 2, 4, 1 \rangle \), where \( k \) is our scalar.
Vector Direction
The direction of a vector is essentially where the vector is 'pointing'. If you imagine a vector as an arrow starting at the origin, pointing in a certain way in space, that is its direction.
In our exercise,
In our exercise,
- vector \( \mathbf{u} \) needs to have the same direction as vector \( \mathbf{v} = \langle 2, 4, 1 \rangle \),
- so \( \mathbf{u} \) must be some multiple of \( \mathbf{v} \).
Magnitude Calculation
Magnitude of a vector is essentially its 'length'. It is computed using the Pythagorean theorem in the context of space dimensions.
To find magnitude,
After substituting and simplifying,
To find magnitude,
- you need to take the square root of the sum of the squares of its components.
- For vector \( \mathbf{u} = \langle 2k, 4k, k \rangle \), its magnitude is \[ \|\mathbf{u}\| = \sqrt{(2k)^2 + (4k)^2 + k^2}\]
After substituting and simplifying,
- we solve \( 15 = \sqrt{21k^2} \) to find \( k \).
- Solving the equation gives \( k = \pm \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}} \).
Vector Components
Every vector can be broken down into components, which are essentially projections of the vector on the coordinate axes.
In a three-dimensional vector such as \( \mathbf{v} = \langle 2, 4, 1 \rangle \),
In a three-dimensional vector such as \( \mathbf{v} = \langle 2, 4, 1 \rangle \),
- the first number (2) is the x-component,
- the second number (4) is the y-component,
- and the third number (1) is the z-component.
- we multiply each component of \( \mathbf{v} \) by the scalar \( k \),
- letting \( \mathbf{u} = \langle 2k, 4k, k \rangle \).